Axar Patel makes big confession ahead of his 100th T20I: ‘I never imagined this’

India’s Axar Patel (ANI Photo) India all-rounder Axar Patel is all set to achieve another major milestone when he takes the field in the fourth T20I against England to become the 31st Indian cricketer to play 100 T20 Internationals. The milestone comes just two matches after Axar took his 100th T20I wicket, underscoring his continued impact as one of India’s most reliable white-ball all-rounders over the past decade.Reflecting on his journey from his T20I debut in 2015 to reaching the 100-match milestone, Axar admitted that he never imagined he would represent India so many times.“When I played my first T20I, I never imagined that I would play 100 matches. This tour of England was very special for me because I completed my 100 T20I wickets in the second match and now I will play my 100th T20I in the fourth match. It is a very special moment and I am really enjoying it,” Axar said in a BCCI video.The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder also credited his teammates, coaches and family for helping him achieve the milestone.“It feels really good. Anytime you reach a milestone, it’s never just about you. My teammates, coaches and family have all played a part in this journey.”Axar also recalled the emotions of making his India debut and how representing the country remains every cricketer’s ultimate dream.“It’s a completely different feeling when you make your debut. At that time you don’t know how much you will achieve in your career. Now I will play my 100th match and it’s a feeling that can’t even be expressed. Even to play one match for India is a dream come true.”

Axar Patel’s T20I Career Stats

Since his debut in 2015, Axar has appeared in 99 T20Is, scoring 746 runs at an average of 17.34 while taking 101 wickets at an impressive average of 21.86 with best figures of 3/9. He also racked up 38 tackles, making him a valuable asset in all three departments.The 31-year-old has been an integral part of India’s white-ball set-up and played a key role in the team’s triumphs in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s premier T20 all-rounders.